Rhodes Day Cruise (with lunch & unlimited drinks) 5,5 Hours

Rhodes is at its best from the sea, and this 5.5-hour wooden boat cruise gives you three chances to swim in clear water without paying for a private charter. The day includes Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs, with lunch and drinks served onboard.

I like the generous food and drink service, and I like the relaxed social feel created by Theodore and his crew. The boat has snorkeling gear, floats, a restroom, WiFi, and a shower. The main caution is speed: some guests found the boat slow, and the advertised 50-minute swim stops may feel shorter once boarding and reboarding are counted.

Quick points before you book

• Three swimming stops: You get about 50 minutes at Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs.
• A traditional wooden boat: The classic boat has padded seating and beanbag chairs, with a maximum group size of 35.
• Lunch is part of the day: Expect chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, bread, and fruit.
• Drinks keep flowing: Beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea are included.
• The crew gets strong marks: Theodore is frequently praised for his warm hosting and attentive service.
• Arrive early: Check-in is at the Royal Sailing Rhodes booth near the marina. Some people arrive 30 minutes early to claim preferred seats.

A relaxed half-day on the Aegean

At $72.56 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Rhodes’ swimming spots, but it packs plenty into one fare. You are paying for the boat ride, three stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, and an open supply of standard drinks. For a full half-day at sea, the price is fair, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for food and beverages.

This is a shared cruise, not a private sailing trip. The maximum is 35 people, so you should expect company, conversation, and a lively boat rather than quiet solitude. That size is still more manageable than a large ferry-style excursion, and the wooden vessel gives the outing a more personal feel.

The tone is easygoing. Theodore is the main host, and the crew regularly offers drinks, checks on passengers, and helps with the practical parts of swimming from the boat. Music may add to the mood, and one sailing featured live entertainment, though you should not count on that for every departure.

The meeting point is Royal Sailing Rhodes at Plateia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. The boat leaves at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the same place. If you are staying near the Old Town or arriving by cruise ship, the marina meeting point is especially convenient. One important detail: arrive early. Although the stated start time is 10:00 a.m., one person missed the boat after arriving 10 minutes late and said boarding had effectively begun earlier.

Afandou Beach: lunch with your first swim

Afandou Beach is the first stop, with about 50 minutes set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a quieter setting. The boat drops anchor, so your time here is spent in the water or on the vessel rather than walking onto a beach.

The first stop works well as a gentle start. You can get used to the water, test the snorkeling equipment, and settle into the rhythm of the day before the later bays. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but flippers and towels are not, so bring your own towel and do not expect full-foot gear.

Lunch is served at Afandou. The spread includes chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread, with fruit available as a snack. Vegetarian dishes are included, and the meal comes with red or white wine. Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, and beer are also available.

The food is one of the cruise’s strongest features, though expectations should stay sensible. Most descriptions present it as fresh, home-style Greek food, while one unhappy account described the chicken and noodles less favorably. The meal is best viewed as a convenient onboard lunch with local flavors, not a restaurant tasting menu.

If you are vegetarian, the pasta, rice, salad, tzatziki, olives, and dolmadakia give you several choices. The supplied information does not list special menus beyond vegetarian dishes, so contact the operator ahead of time if you have allergies or strict dietary needs.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the scenic favorite

Anthony Quinn Bay is often the most memorable stop. The traditional boat takes you to a small, striking bay with clear, calm water and a more enclosed feel than the open coast. You get another 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment available onboard.

This is a good place to use a mask and look below the surface. The water clarity makes snorkeling worthwhile, although visibility and conditions can change with the weather. You will not be walking through a beach resort here. The appeal is the view from the boat and the chance to swim directly in the bay.

The stop can feel busy if other boats are nearby. That is part of the trade-off with a popular Rhodes sight. You get access without arranging a private boat, but you also share the water with other groups.

Bring a secure way to handle your phone if you want photographs in the water. Your main belongings can remain onboard, which is useful when the boat is anchored and everyone is swimming. Still, you should keep valuables together and follow the crew’s instructions.

Kallithea Springs: clear water at the last stop

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, where you have another 50 minutes to swim and snorkel. The water is described as especially clear, and the stop gives you one more chance to swim before the return to Rhodes Town.

The attraction here is the water itself rather than a long visit on land. This cruise is focused on sea access, so you should not expect a guided tour of the historic spring complex or time to explore its architecture. If you want to see Kallithea Springs on foot, plan a separate visit.

Having three swim stops gives the day a useful variety. If one bay is choppy or crowded, another may feel better. On the other hand, the boat needs time to move between stops, serve lunch, and organize swimmers. Some people felt the swim periods were shorter than advertised, even though each stop is scheduled for 50 minutes.

That concern matters if swimming is your main reason for booking. You will get three opportunities, but this is not three full hours of uninterrupted water time. Boarding, safety instructions, snorkeling setup, and climbing back aboard all reduce the usable minutes.

What the wooden boat is like

The boat is a traditional wooden sailing vessel with padded seating and beanbag chairs at the front. Those forward seats are popular, so arriving at least 30 minutes early may help if you want a particular spot. Seating preferences can make a real difference on a day spent mostly onboard.

The boat has a restroom, shower, WiFi, and space to leave your belongings while you swim. The shower is useful after saltwater swims, although towels are not included. Pack a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for the ride back.

Getting back aboard uses a staircase. One person found it a little difficult and wished it had more steps. If you have limited mobility, an older family member, or anyone who needs help climbing from the water, ask the operator about the boarding setup before paying.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The information does not promise a fully accessible vessel, so anyone with serious mobility concerns should get a clear answer from Royal Sailing Rhodes first.

Food, drinks, and what all-inclusive really means

The drinks package is a real part of the value. Included choices are beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea. Fruit is served as a snack, and watermelon has been offered early in the cruise.

Cocktails are not included. You can buy them separately, but the standard drinks cover the basics well. If you do not drink alcohol, you still have plenty of nonalcoholic options.

The crew’s habit of regularly offering drinks is a plus for a hot day. You do not need to keep returning to a bar or bring a large supply of beverages. Do remember that unlimited alcohol is not a reason to overdo it, especially when swimming from a moving boat.

Lunch is substantial enough to carry you through the afternoon. Chicken, rice, pasta, salad, tzatziki, olives, dolmadakia, and bread provide a broad mix of familiar and Greek-style foods. The menu is practical for a mixed group, including people who prefer simple food and those who want recognizable local dishes.

The crew and onboard mood

The crew is a major reason this cruise earns strong scores. Theodore is often singled out as a welcoming host, with the rest of the team working hard behind the scenes. You can expect friendly service rather than a formal guided presentation.

This is not a history-focused cruise. The emphasis is on swimming, food, music, and a pleasant day on the water. If you want detailed commentary about Rhodes, this may feel light on information. If you want someone to keep the day moving and make sure you have a drink, a mask, or help getting back aboard, it fits better.

The social side is part of the appeal. A maximum of 35 people allows you to meet others without being packed onto a large vessel. Families, couples, groups of friends, and cruise ship passengers can all fit the format.

Music is another part of the atmosphere. Some accounts describe excellent music and even live entertainment, but the regular offering is simply a relaxed onboard soundtrack. Think casual beach-day energy, not a quiet sailing retreat.

Timing, transport, and cruise ship planning

You arrange your own way to the marina. Private transportation is not included, but the meeting point is near public transportation and within an easy walk of Rhodes Old Town. This makes the cruise practical if you are already sightseeing in central Rhodes.

The scheduled start is 10:00 a.m., and the activity ends back at the meeting point after about 5.5 hours. One person reported returning at 3:45 p.m., which was helpful for a cruise ship schedule. Even so, I would leave extra time before an onward departure because sea conditions, boarding, or boat speed can affect the return.

The slow pace is worth considering. One unhappy account reported a top speed of about five knots and a late return. That may be unusual, but a traditional wooden boat is not a speedboat. You trade fast transfers for a calmer ride, more time enjoying the vessel, and a less rushed feel between stops.

If you want the maximum number of swimming minutes, a faster boat tour may suit you better. If you prefer a meal, open drinks, shade or seating, and a social cruise, the slower pace is easier to accept.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and groups who want a simple day at sea with most costs handled upfront. It is also a good fit for cruise ship passengers who can reach the marina easily and have a comfortable time buffer before returning onboard.

You will likely enjoy it if you value:

• Three separate chances to swim
• Food and drinks included in the price
• A traditional boat instead of a fast rigid-hull craft
• Friendly service and a casual group atmosphere
• Snorkeling equipment supplied onboard
• A return to the same central marina

I would hesitate if you need a very fast boat, a quiet private setting, extensive sightseeing commentary, or guaranteed long periods in the water. I would also check the boarding arrangements first if someone in your group has trouble with stairs or climbing from the sea.

The cruise has a 4.8 rating from 523 reviews, with 96 percent recommending it. That strong response matches the most consistent positives: the crew, the food, the drinks, and the attractive swimming spots. The lower ratings point to real concerns about cancellations, speed, timing, and food quality, so it is wise to keep the day’s pace in mind.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a friendly, food-and-drink-focused day on the water and are happy to trade speed for comfort. At $72.56, the combination of three swim stops, lunch, snorkeling gear, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee gives you solid value.

Arrive early, bring a towel and flippers if you use them, and allow plenty of time before any fixed departure from Rhodes. If those details work for you, Royal Sailing Rhodes offers an easy way to enjoy the coast without planning every part yourself. If your priority is the longest possible swim time or a fast, private ride, choose a different type of boat.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes day cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

Where does the cruise meet?

You meet at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Plateia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which places does the boat visit?

The scheduled stops are Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

Each stop is scheduled for about 50 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are available.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea. Cocktails cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Flippers and towels are not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

Is transportation included?

Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.